[Important Update] Appointment News

Dear Church Family,

Greetings in the precious name of Jesus Christ!

Yesterday, Joyce and I shared the news of our new appointments during worship, though it was brief. Today, I want to provide more details and share how we arrived at this decision. Joyce is currently away at a Korean women clergy retreat, and I know she will have her own reflections to share in the coming days.

The Facts

For the past ten years, amid denominational challenges and uncertainties, our church has been designated as a Mission Church by the New England Conference, which has covered the pastor’s health insurance (about $22,000 for 2025). However, due to budget reductions at both the national and conference levels, our grant was cut in half this year and will no longer be available next year.

Given this financial challenge, the initial plan from the bishop and cabinet was to appoint me to Houlton and Hodgdon and Joyce to Mars Hill starting July 1, 2025. However, after further budget review, a revised plan was made:

• Houlton UMC will move from a ¾-time to a ½-time appointment.
• I will be appointed to Houlton (½), Hodgdon (¼), and Mars Hill (¼).
• Joyce will be appointed to Stetson Memorial UMC in Patten (½-time).

My Journey of Discernment

When I first heard the bishop’s intended appointment, I experienced a flood of emotions—one wave after another. This was not the path I had envisioned or hoped for. My prayer has always been for our three churches to stand strong, grow, and be renewed. I longed to see the UMC revived, not reduced. Instead, I felt confused, vulnerable, and deeply discouraged.

I was given 24 hours to respond to the appointment. Most of that time, I spent in solitude, meditating on the Gospel of John and seeking God’s guidance. I asked for signs, and He faithfully answered through Scripture:

1. The Calling of the First Disciples (John 1:19-51) – “When you feel God calling you to something this week, follow the call.”
2. Jesus and the Samaritan Woman (John 4:1-42) – “Encourage Joyce and other women to recognize and use their talents in spiritual leadership.”
3. Feeding the 5,000 (John 6:1-34) – “To Jesus, whether it’s 5 or 5,000, it makes no difference. He doesn’t ask you to provide everything—only to bring what you have. Offer your five loaves and two fish, and trust Him to multiply it.”

And finally, in John 21, Jesus asks Peter: “Do you love me?” My heart responded, “Yes, Lord, you know I love you.” And Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” His words cut through my doubts. “Don’t compare yourself to others. You just follow me.”

Moving Forward

Even now, I feel the weight of this transition and the loss of Joyce as my ministry partner in our three churches. It is overwhelming at times, and I still wonder, Am I on the right path? I don’t know what the next five or ten years will bring for our church.

But I do know this: I love Jesus. I love His Church. I love you.

My life motto remains the same: “With all my heart—love one person at a time, do one thing at a time.” That will never change.

Thank you for being part of this beloved community. You are in my prayers. Please pray for our church. Please pray for Joyce, our children, and me in this time of transition.

I love you all deeply.

 

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor